The Story of Dr. Wassell (1944)

As the Japanese sweep through the East Indies during World War II, Dr. Wassell is determined to escape from Java with some crewmen of the cruiser Marblehead. Based on a true story of how Dr... See full summary »

Director:

Cecil B. DeMille

Writers:

Alan Le May (screenplay), Charles Bennett (screenplay),

Stars:

Gary Cooper, Laraine Day, Signe Hasso

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Gary Cooper	...	Dr. Corydon M. Wassell
Laraine Day	...	Madeleine
Signe Hasso	...	Bettina
Dennis O'Keefe	...	Benjamin 'Hoppy' Hopkins
Carol Thurston	...	Tremartini (Three Martini)
Carl Esmond	...	Lt. Dirk Van Daal
Paul Kelly	...	Murdock
Elliott Reid	...	William 'Andy' Anderson
Stanley Ridges	...	Cmdr. William B. 'Bill' Goggins
Renny McEvoy	...	Johnny Leeweather
Oliver Thorndike	...	Alabam
Philip Ahn	...	Ping
Barbara Britton	...	Ruth

Storyline

As the Japanese sweep through the East Indies during World War II, Dr. Wassell is determined to escape from Java with some crewmen of the cruiser Marblehead. Based on a true story of how Dr. Wassell saved a dozen or so wounded sailors who were left behind when able bodied men were evacuated to Australia.

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Plot Keywords:

escape | australia | jungle | hero | arkansas | 

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Taglines:

Drama of Loyalty and Love! The Story the Whole World Has Heard About!

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Genres:

Drama | Action | Adventure | Romance | War

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 July 1944 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dr. Wassells Flucht aus Java

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,720,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

140 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

It took 95 days to shoot the film.

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Quotes

Dutch Army Captain: An air raid, Doctor. There's no cause for panic. You all know the rules. Convalescent patients to the shelter. All others are to be placed beneath their cots, Doctor.
Dr. Corydon M. Wassell: Yes, sir.
Dutch Army Captain: Walking wounded, follow me please.

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Connections

Featured in Cecil B. DeMille: American Epic (2004)

User Reviews

Inspiring biography of WWII hero.

This is a long (2 hour, 17 minute) film that is leisurely in its pacing as it depicts dedicated Wassell, American M.D., who goes against direct orders to stay with and evacuate wounded men under his care. Cooper is perfectly cast as the humanitarian doctor. The plot can be tiresome at times but is nevertheless absorbing and inspiring on the whole. Technicolor is excellent. This earned an Oscar nom for Special Effects. Worth catching.